Waterford man convicted of cruelty to Lurcher dogs

On Thursday, September 23, Thomas Phelan (25), with an address at Riverglen, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, appeared before Judge Brian O’Shea at Dungarvan District Court facing charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. 

Guilty pleas were entered in relation to four counts.

Giving evidence, ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey described how she responded to a report regarding dogs at the accused’s address on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, and found two Lurcher dogs in the back garden. 

She told the court that both dogs were in very poor condition with their ribs and hip bones protruding. The male dog had open wounds and pressure sores on his body, which was indicative of lying on a hard surface for a prolonged period of time.

Mr Phelan admitted ownership of the two dogs and surrendered them into the care of the ISPCA. They were taken for veterinary assessment where it was found that the male dog weighed just 10.1kg and the female 12.2kg. 

They were admitted to the veterinary hospital overnight.

Ms Lacey told how over the following 10 weeks, both dogs gained staggering amounts of weight, with the male dog increasing in weight by 15.9kg and the female dog gaining 17.8kg.

In a subsequent interview under caution the defendant could not offer any explanation for the condition of the dogs other than that perhaps he wasn’t feeding them enough. 

In mitigation, an apology was entered on Mr Phelan’s behalf, acknowledging that he neglected his animal welfare obligations.

Convicting the defendant, Judge O’Shea remarked that “these dogs looked like skeletons”. 

Noting the sores and the unsuitable living conditions, he said the dogs were “at the ultimate mercy of the owner”. 

He disqualified the accused from owning a dog or dogs for 10 years, imposed fines totalling €1,000, and ordered that he pay €947 in veterinary expenses and €1,845 in legal costs.

Commenting on the case Senior Inspector Lacey said: “Both dogs, once rescued, began to gain weight and thrive. Although they were in a horrific state when they came into our care, their strong will to survive outweighed the neglect they had endured. 

"They are a testament to the resilience and strength needed to overcome their previous circumstances. 

"We must remember that the animals we choose to have rely solely on us to provide for them, even the most basic of needs. This isn’t something we get to overlook, discount or avoid - this is a legal obligation." 

Senior Inspector Lacey added that unfortunately, the male dog, named Ted, is still in ISPCA care 18 months later. 

"He endured so much and really deserves to experience a permanent loving home for the first time,” she said.

For more information on adopting Ted, visit  https://ispca.ie/adoptions/ted/